Trump’s $4.1tr budget takes hatchet to safety net

The White House has unveiled Trump’s $4.1tr (£3.1tr) budget that would take the axe to the social safety net for the poor.The plan would sharply slash food stamps, healthcare for low-income patients, disability benefits and eliminate student loan subsidies.

The budget also features an Ivanka Trump plan for paid parental leave. The US military would receive a 10% boost while $1.6bn would be allocated for a wall on the border with Mexico. President Trump, who is travelling overseas, missed the unveiling of his first full budget, titled A New Foundation for American Greatness.

Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget director, told reporters on Tuesday the proposal is “simply the president’s priorities put on paper”.

Critics say the plan would hurt some of Mr Trump’s supporters hardest.

Its proposed $190bn reduction in food stamps surpasses previous cuts put forward by Republicans to a programme serving about 42 million people

Representatives from agricultural states are objecting to a plan to limit farm subsidies

Mr Trump promised on the campaign trail not to cut Medicaid, the healthcare programme for the poor, but his budget would cut the scheme by $800bn

Republicans are also squeamish about proposed cuts to Meals on Wheels, which provides food to the homebound elderly, disabled and veterans

But the funding cut to family-planning groups that offer abortions, such as Planned Parenthood, is likely to be welcomed by conservatives